Coconut cream is an integral component of Pina Coladas and other tropical cocktails, and can usually be found at most large supermarkets in their cocktail mixers or international foods aisle. Coco Lopez brand products are recommended.
This recipe makes an exquisite, refreshing frozen drink using premium ingredients and shaking thoroughly with crushed ice.
Cream of coconut
Cream of Coconut (COC) is an integral component in making Pina Coladas. Made of sweet syrup from coconut milk and sugar, COC can be found in most grocery store liquor aisles or online. Coco Lopez and Coco Real brands of COC are popular choices but you could also make your own at home using coconut milk/cream, sugar and thickener such as corn starch.
This non-alcoholic version of the drink is an ideal way to indulge in tropical cocktails without drinking alcohol. By mixing Coco Lopez cream of coconut with pineapple juice, this refreshing mocktail can quickly transport you to an idyllic beach! Plus it is super simple and quick to make!
An important key to crafting an outstanding virgin Pina Colada lies in choosing high-quality ingredients, from mixers and rum to garnishing your drink with slices of pineapple and maraschino cherries for authentic tropical flair. Try cutting fresh pineapple wedges with skin still attached and placing on either side of the glass as the ideal garnish!
Pineapple juice
Pina coladas feature pineapple juice as the cornerstone ingredient, adding sweetness and flavor. Fresh, unsweetened pineapple juice works best, although canned juice may contain higher sugar concentration. If using canned juice instead of fresh, be sure to balance your drink by including lime or another citrus fruit juices for balance.
Pineapple juice is an excellent source of vitamin C, helping strengthen immunity and reduce inflammation, as well as bromelain enzyme for digestion support. To make homemade pineapple juice at home simply crush fresh pineapple chunks using a juicer; an electric blender works just as effectively if that option is unavailable to you.
Next, combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker over ice. You could also opt for making this drink blended instead; however, its results will have less of a frothy texture than shaking until smooth before straining into glasses.
To achieve optimal coconut cream results, choose a brand known for its silky and velvety texture, such as Coco Lopez or Real Gourmet. Unsweetened coconut cream won’t provide as satisfying an experience.
Rum
An exceptional quality rum is the key to crafting the ideal pina colada. While frozen pina colada mixes are available from grocery stores, homemade versions offer superior flavor – not to mention cheaper and healthier!
Many people use generic coconut cream, but for an authentic pina colada you need Coco Lopez brand available at most large supermarkets’ mixer sections. Coco Lopez is made of pureed coconut meat, processed into syrup-like consistency by way of processing; alternatively you could also create your own by skimming off the thick layer at the top of a can of full-fat coconut milk to produce your own homemade version.
Make sure to choose high-quality organic or filtered pineapple juice without added sugars for the best pina colada experience! Shake your beverage slowly as too much shaking may cause the ice cubes to disintegrate, watering down your beverage. A properly shaken pina colada should have creamy layers with rich foam from pineapple juice. And be sure to garnish your creation with slices of pineapple and maraschino cherries – all this together transports you straight to tropical paradise! This refreshing drink makes an excellent way to toast special events, or just treat yourself!